Ambrosia Salad Recipe – This easy, creamy and fluffy classic Ambrosia Salad is sure to be a hit with everyone! Made with fruit, marshmallows, cool whip and shredded coconut, it makes the perfect old-fashioned treat. This dessert salad is the ultimate potluck, side dish and dessert sure to be loved by kids and adults both.
If you love quick, easy and well-loved recipes, this classic Ambrosia Salad is the one you need to add to your recipe book. It’s an old-fashioned treat made with pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, Maraschino cherries, shredded coconut, Cool Whip and cream cheese. The perfect recipe for potluck, brunch, dessert, as a side dish or whenever you need a special treat.
This post is about the best Ambrosia Salad Recipe.
AMBROSIA SALAD WITH COOL WHIP
Refreshingly light, sweet and fluffy, this Ambrosia Salad Recipe is the one you’ll keep making over and over again. It’s a super quick and easy one-bowl dessert or side dish that is perfect for any occasion. Abundance of colorful fruit, creamy base, mini marshmallows and shredded coconut can be made in just 15 minutes!
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
Quick and Easy Fruit Cocktail Salad. You just need canned fruits (or fresh), and 4 other ingredients to make this quick, fruity and creamy dessert salad.
Perfect for Parties. It is super easy to prepare in no time and serve on parties, potlucks, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter or any other occasion.
Flexible to Customize. You can add your favorite fruits, nuts and other additions, such as, vanilla syrup, honey, fresh fruits, and it will still taste incredible and comforting.
INGREDIENTS NOTES
Here’s everything you need to make this easy Ambrosia Salad –
HOW TO MAKE AMBROSIA SALAD
Drain the mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, and pineapple tidbits thoroughly. Pat them gently with a paper towel to remove excess moisture to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and whipped topping until smooth and fully incorporated.
Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, and pineapple tidbits. Be careful not to overmix to keep the fruit intact and the mixture fluffy.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld and gives the salad its signature fluffiness.
Before serving, garnish with extra shredded coconut and whole maraschino cherries for a festive look.
Notes:
For an even fluffier texture, you can add an extra 1/2 cup of whipped topping.
Best served chilled and eaten within 2-3 days for maximum freshness
RECIPE FAQ’S
Ambrosia Salad Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned fruit in this ambrosia salad recipe?
A: Yes! Fresh mandarin oranges, pineapple, and cherries can be used. Just make sure to peel, chop, and thoroughly dry them to prevent excess moisture.
Q: Why do I need to drain and pat the fruit dry?
A: Draining and patting the fruit dry prevents the salad from becoming watery and keeps the creamy texture intact.
Q: Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
A: Yes! Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter, tangier version of the salad.
Q: Is it necessary to refrigerate the salad before serving?
A: Yes, refrigerating for at least 1 hour helps the flavors blend and gives the salad its signature fluffy texture.
Q: Can I make ambrosia salad the night before?
A: Absolutely! Making it the night before allows the flavors to meld. Just give it a gentle stir before serving.
Q: How long does ambrosia salad last in the fridge?
A: It’s best enjoyed within 2–3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?
A: Yes, but using unsweetened coconut will make the salad less sweet. Adjust by adding a little sugar if desired.
Q: What can I use instead of Cool Whip?
A: You can use homemade whipped cream or a dairy-free whipped topping for a similar texture.
Q: Can I add nuts to this ambrosia salad recipe?
A: Yes! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds can be added for extra crunch.
Q: How can I make the AMBROSIA salad RECIPE fluffier?
A: Add an extra 1/2 cup of whipped topping for a lighter, fluffier texture.
Q: Can I leave out the coconut?
A: Yes, you can omit the coconut or replace it with something like chopped nuts or extra fruit for a different texture.
Q: Is this ambrosia salad RECIPE gluten-free?
A: Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check the labels to be sure.
Q: Can I freeze ambrosia salad RECIPE?
A: Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the whipped topping and fruit can become watery and grainy when thawed.
Q: What occasions are best for serving ambrosia salad?
A: It’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, family gatherings, and summer cookouts.
Q: Can I use different fruits in this recipe?
A: Definitely! Try adding grapes, strawberries, or even diced apples for variety.
Q: How can I make this AMBROSIA salad RECIPE more colorful?
A: Use colorful fruits like green grapes or kiwi, and pastel mini marshmallows for a vibrant look.
Q: Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought?
A: Yes! Homemade whipped cream works well—just whip heavy cream with a little sugar until fluffy.
Q: Why do I need to fold the ingredients instead of stirring?
A: Folding keeps the fruit intact and the whipped mixture light and fluffy. Stirring too hard can make the salad dense and mushy.
Q: Is ambrosia salad RECIPE a dessert or a side dish?
A: It can be served as both! Many enjoy it as a sweet side dish or a light dessert.
Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Yes! Substitute the sour cream and whipped topping with dairy-free alternatives for a dairy-free version.
Ambrosia Salad Recipe
This easy, creamy and fluffy classic Ambrosia Salad is sure to be a hit with everyone! Made with fruit, marshmallows, cool whip and shredded coconut, it makes the perfect old-fashioned treat. This dessert salad is the ultimate potluck, side dish and dessert sure to be loved by kids and adults both.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 can mandarin oranges, drained (15oz)
- 1 jar maraschino cherries, drained and halved, reserve a few whole cherries for garnish (10z)
- 1 can pineapple tidbits, drained (20oz)
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 container whipped topping, Cool Whip (8oz)
Instructions
- Drain the mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, and pineapple tidbits thoroughly. Pat them gently with a paper towel to remove excess moisture to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and whipped topping until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, and pineapple tidbits. Be careful not to overmix to keep the fruit intact and the mixture fluffy.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld and gives the salad its signature fluffiness.
- Before serving, garnish with extra shredded coconut and whole maraschino cherries for a festive look.
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